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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 19th, 2021–Mar 20th, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

With cool temperatures and a dusting of new snow the main hazard is isolated pockets of wind slabs.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Scattered flurries with 5-10 cm of snow, 30-40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -7 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with some light flurries and up to 5 cm of new snow, 20-30 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C, freezing level climbs to 1300 m.

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, 20-30 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -7 C.

MONDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries and 5-10 cm of snow, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

Avalanche Summary

While there are no recent reports of avalanches, wind slabs could be reactive to human triggering on some steep terrain features.

Snowpack Summary

Unsettled weather has delivered about 10 cm of snow which may have formed isolated wind slabs at higher elevations. This snow overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust, with the exception of high elevation northerly aspects where the snow sits above a small surface hoar layer.

Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer from late January is buried around 80 to 150 cm and is composed of a combination of surface hoar, facets, and crusts. We haven't received a report of avalanche activity on this layer since late February and the likelihood of triggering this layer is currently low.

As always, best to avoid shallow, rocky areas where a weak and faceted snowpack may be found.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs may form at higher elevations as new snow and strong wind impact the region. Assess for the formation of slabs if you venture to steep, leeward terrain. 

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5